UCC hoping to reach two camogie finals

This week is a big one for UCC camogie as they play in two major semi-finals.

They have qualified for the Ashbourne Cup semi-final after getting the better of University of Galway at the Mardyke last week.

The game was due to be played at Dangan, Galway, but upon arrival, the pitch was deemed unplayable after a pitch inspection by the referee.

So it was refixed for last Wednesday night at the Mardyke, giving UCC home advantage for what they knew was going to be a tough tie.

UCC started well with Niamh McNabola pointing from play, followed by a point from a Sophie Pembrook free. Aoife Healy, who will be heading to Australia in a few months to play Aussie Rules, was on form and from a great run pointed to keep UCC in front.

Galway’s Carrie Dolan pointed from a free to get the away side up and running. Midway through the first half, a superb run from Cork’s Leah Hallihan ended up with the ball in the back of the net.

Amy McCarthy was working tirelessly, as was Meave Murphy, who swept up in the backline. Abby Walsh from Clare was tasked with the job of marking Carrie Dolan and kept her scoreless from play.

Dolan did score seven points, but they were all from frees, showing the great job Walsh did for the Cork college on the night.

Galway got a goal back just before half-time as UCC led by 1-9 to 1-6 at the break.

The second half was a battle with Galway edging closer with scores back and forth. In the last minute, Dolan pointed a free to draw the game.

At the other end of the field, Orlaith Cremin passed to McNabola, who was tackled and won a free.

There was total silence at the Mardyke as Sophie Pembrook pointed the pressure free to put UCC one ahead with time now into injury-time.

However, UCC’s vice-captain Avril Cashman drove the team on, and excellent scores from Sarah O’Brien and Eimear Duignan put them three to the good.

After a battle, there were great scenes on the final whistle, which saw UCC overcome a very strong University of Galway side by 1-13 to 1-10.

UCC now face current Ashbourne Cup holders UL, who are hot favourites to win three in a row, in the semi-final.

The game is scheduled for 8pm tomorrow night at UL.

UCC manager Michelle Gould was thrilled with the win.

“The girls showed great character to come through this game, and their work rate was immense.

“Playing UL is always a big ask, but we have great confidence in our team and will be up for the challenge.”

As well as this, UCC are also in the Purcell Cup semi-final. They secured two wins out of two in the championship, beating Ulster University away in Laois, followed by a hard-fought win away to Maynooth. This sees them play tomorrow in Dublin against Queens University Belfast, at 7pm at Abbotstown.

Ms Gould manages both teams and is very happy with how both teams are progressing.

“Having two teams in the championship semi-finals is a great achievement. The Purcell team is progressing nicely after winning the Purcell League before Christmas. This was great preparation for the championship campaign.